Jorge polanco’s Historic Postseason Run Propels Mariners to ALCS Lead
SEATTLE - Jorge Polanco continued a stunning postseason surge,delivering his third consecutive game-winning hit in the fifth inning or later,as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.Polanco’s performance has been instrumental in the Mariners’ improbable run, transforming him from a winter afterthought into a key contributor at the heart of their lineup.
Never before in 150 years of postseason baseball has a player recorded three straight game-winning hits in the fifth inning or later.This remarkable feat underscores the critical role Polanco is playing in a Mariners’ playoff push that, just a month ago, appeared unlikely. His ability to deliver in high-leverage situations is exceeding expectations, particularly after a challenging 2023 season.
“The guy single-handedly beat us so many times,” said J.P. Crawford, the longest-tenured Mariner. “We all know the type of player he is when he is healthy, and it’s clearly showing right now.”
Seattle’s ascent has been fueled by more than just Polanco’s bat. Cal Raleigh’s potential MVP-caliber season, Julio Rodriguez’s dominant second half, and the team’s strong pitching have all contributed to their success. However, playoff baseball demands more, as evidenced by Polanco’s emergence.
“What’s most extraordinary is bouncing back after a rough year last year,” said Seattle pitcher Bryan woo, who is slated to start Game 3 on Wednesday against Toronto’s Shane Bieber. “Especially for a guy on his second team, back half of his career. To do what he’s doing — get healthy, come back, help the team like he has — is even more impressive than just playing good baseball.”
The Mariners’ turnaround has been dramatic. After losing 13 of 18 games from mid-August to early September, thay trailed the Houston Astros by 3 games in the AL West and held only a half-game lead over the Texas Rangers for the final wild-card spot. Seattle then whent on a 17-4 run, winning the West, securing a first-round bye, and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run.
Polanco acknowledged the weight of the Mariners’ history – a franchise that has never reached the World Series – and the importance of potentially breaking that barrier. “Yeah, we think about it,” he said. “We’ve heard it a lot. We certainly know.”
Alongside Polanco, Raleigh is performing at a high level, Rodriguez is slugging effectively, and Josh Naylor, a Mississauga, Ontario native, contributed a two-run home run in Game 2. The Mariners are now poised to continue their pursuit of a championship,fueled by the unexpected heroics of Jorge Polanco.
